I'm curious what tools/metrics you all are using to determine the overall pulse of the market?

I just put my 4th rental under contract and this site has really been a valuable tool for me.

I am looking for a $1.2-$1.6m property with a 6-6.75 CAP with AT LEAST a 10 yr term remaining on fast food restaurant locations in larger metropolitan areas ( >80,000 population in 5 miles) preferably in TX and FL but will consider nationwide.The only tool I have really been using has been Loopnet.

So, the time to invest in more expensive education isn't until you've exhausted your tools and need more than a hammer and screwdriver.

However, only Realtors and Unliscenced Assistants to Realtors have access to this extremely powerful tool. 

After being truly inspired, I decided to get the old real estate license and Pursue investing with a few basic tools I've acquired over the years.

Welcome Dustin to BP you will find a lot of great tools here.

I don't know if this would potentially violate some safety code (I can always ask my rental inspector). 

It very rarely goes to '0'.Regarding the 50% rule, this is a rule of thumb, and as with most rules of thumb it serves as a yardstick with which one can make decisions more quickly as well as a safety net when someone doesn't have enough information or how to use it.Here's an example on the deal I'm working on currently.I have a big spreadsheet I use to analyze investment potential into which I plug various variables including interest rate forecasts, etc...

There is a lot of good information you can acquire if you explore the tool bar area.